Eclectic Texts Conference (ETC)
In the fall of 2024, George Fox University’s Department of English and Languages launched the Eclectic Texts Conference (ETC). Embodying the university vision of “Christ and Culture,” this two-day event considers the significance of popular texts within literary, political, religious, and scholarly discourses, with particular focus on how these texts intersect with Christian faith and discipleship. Consistent with George Fox’s emphasis on undergraduate education, this event specifically welcomes undergraduate research into conversation with professional scholarship.
ETC 2026
Unmasked: Superheroes, Supervillains, and the Fight for Hope!
Calling all heroes, villains, and everyone in between!
We invite you to join us on November 20 & 21 as we teleport into the world of
Unmasked: Superheroes, Supervillains, and the Fight for Hope! We welcome paper and panel submissions from scholars, students, and passionate fans as we travel together to explore the multiverse of aliens, mutants, and gods that form the myths of the modern world. No cape required—just curiosity, creativity, and the courage to present from a podium.
Possible topics include–but are not limited to:
➤ Genetics and Mad Science: The Biology of Mutants
➤ Villains: Agents of Chaos or Realists?
➤ Is Superman Jesus?: The Christ-figure trope in Post-WW2 Comics
➤ "Everything is Normal, I Swear!" The Psychological Toll of Keeping a Secret Identity
➤ "No Capes!" A Study of Impractical Superhero Fashion
➤ "Now I Shall Reveal My Evil Plan! And You Cannot Stop Me!" Why Villains Explain Their Entire Plan and Give the Heroes Time to Stop It
➤ "My Hero!" Damsels in Distress and New Female Leads
➤ Empowering or Sexualizing: Deconstructing Female Hero Tropes
➤ Captain America: Superheroes as Wartime Propaganda
➤ Sacrificial Snaps: Martyrdom and Messianism in Modern Cinematic Universes
➤ Stark Industries: Artificial Intelligence and Robot Uprisings
➤ "The Original Was Better." Sequels and the Economics of Narrative Franchises
Empowered by your presentation, this event will feature keynotes by outstanding scholars, interactive events, and a vat of toxic chemicals.
WARNING: Side effects may include increased confidence, sharper thinking, and a desire to save the world through words.
All panel and paper plans should be directed to gfu-english@georgefox.edu by October 19th, 2026. (Please include your CV (résumé) along with your proposal of no more than 300 words.)
Keep an eye on the sky for the symbol of registration...coming soon.
In vigilance,
The Department of English and Languages
Sample Schedule
Friday, November 20
Saturday, November 21
Walk to one of the many restaurants downtown Newberg or eat on campus Canyon Commons.
We invite alumni to join us for a catered dinner with department faculty and students. Registration required.
FAQ
The conference is scheduled Nov. 20-21, 2026, on the George Fox University campus in Newberg, Oregon. On Friday, we’ll host a keynote speaker and have a special evening event. On Saturday, we’ll host panel sessions in the morning and afternoon and a keynote speaker during brunch. Our final speaker will close the conference in the afternoon. In the evening, we will have a closing event.
Yes! We encourage high school students to attend Friday @ Fox before the conference. Sign up to Friday @ Fox and receive a 50% discount for ETC!
Yes! This conference is open to all. We particularly want to invite high school students to attend! The event is a great opportunity to experience a university campus and see firsthand how a liberal arts education can help you think more deeply about the things you love.
This is a teaching conference, so we want to invite those with little or no conference experience to take part in the fun of presenting a conference paper. In particular, we welcome all undergraduate, graduate, and professional scholars to present on all things superhero. Papers from unaffiliated scholars, community members and others will all be considered. Proposals are due by Monday, October 19th, and are to be submitted to gfu-english@georgefox.edu.
A conference paper proposal poses the question your paper will be considering, gives some context for why this question matters, offers a tentative thesis, and describes how you will make your argument. The proposal should include the paper title, follow MLA formatting, and be about 300 words in length (give or take 10%).
A conference paper is 15 minutes long (about 7.5 double-spaced pages, 12-point Times New Roman font). Papers are presented as part of a panel. A panel is a grouping of papers, typically three, that are thematically linked that conference presenters put together. After all three papers are presented, there is a time for questions. Presenters, especially undergraduate and graduate presenters, typically read prepared papers. Some presenters like to use a slideshow to accompany their paper.
Once we’ve reviewed your proposal, we’ll email you to let you know if your paper has been accepted. By Nov. 1, we will have the conference schedule available so you know when and where you will present. You can register for the conference at any time, and even if your paper isn’t selected, we’d love for you to attend!
We ask that you attend as much of the conference as possible to support our presenters and speakers.
Newberg has many hotels and other accommodations to offer. If you are looking for lodging, check out our lodging and accommodations page for deals and discounts..
We will not have a remote attendance option this year. We encourage you to use this conference as an excuse to visit our beautiful campus or connect with superhero fans near you.
High school students who register for and attend Friday @ Fox on November 20, 2026 are eligible to receive a 50% discount on their ETC registration.
Please ask! You can email gfu-english@georgefox.edu with any additional questions.
Past Events
Beneath the Bonnet: The Secret World of Jane Austen
In 2025, the Eclectic Texts Conference brought together academic inquiry and lively Regency-era experiences in “Beneath the Bonnet: The Secret World of Jane Austen.”
Faculty and student researchers presented papers investigating social hierarchies and hidden subtexts, Jane Austen’s relationship to paleontology, the relevance of Austen’s legacy to contemporary culture, and much more. The conference also featured the world premier staging of Austen in the Making, based on Austen’s Juvenilia, as well as the immersive Austentatious Ball.
Taylor Swift: The Voice of an Age
The theme of the conference, "Taylor Swift: The Voice of an Age," explored the impact Swift has had on our culture through panels, presentations, and activities.
Papers were presented by faculty, alumni, and current students, including both English majors and non-majors. Topics ranged from an investigation into a potential conspiracy between Swift and the NFL, to her influence on feminism, to how Chrisitian communities can learn from her fan base.